Speaking at a general election campaign event in Leeds in the heart of Labour’s heartlands, May also alluded to “opponents” in the UK trying to “disrupt” the negotiations, which is certain to mean Labour, the SNP and Liberal Democrats.

She said:

“We have seen Chancellor Merkel’s comments today. She says the UK has ‘illusions’ about the process and that the 27 member states of the European Union agree. We can see how tough those negotiations are going to be at times.

”Yet our opponents are already seeking to disrupt those negotiations – at the same time as 27 other European countries line up to oppose us. That approach can only mean one thing – uncertainty and instability, bringing grave risk to our growing economy with higher taxes, fewer jobs, more waste and more debt.

“So we need the strongest possible hand, the strongest possible mandate and the strongest possible leadership as we go into those talks.”

“Countries with a third country status – and that’s what Great Britain will be – cannot and will not have the same or even more rights as a member of the European Union. All 27 member states and the European institutions agree on this.”

On social media, few were surprised that the EU might be reluctant to offer a Rolls-Royce departure deal to the UK:

Who would ever have foreseen that? Still with a bit of strong and stable leadership, we'll get whatever we want. 🤔 https://t.co/tfmkW7Ztq3